Life Stories and Everyday Drama - page 21

i’ve been sitting on this for a while because i don’t even know if it’s my place to bring it up, but it’s been eating at me. a close friend—let’s call him ben—confided in me about his struggles with porn addiction. he didn’t use those exact words, of course. he said things like, “i think i overdo it” and “it’s messing with how i see people.” i didn’t know how to react. i just listened, nodded, told him it’s okay to talk about it. but the truth is, i felt wildly underqualified. i don’t have experience with addiction. i don’t even know what’s considered “normal” anymore with all the stuff floating around online. still, i want to help him. i’m just not sure how.

we talked again a few days later. he mentioned trying to stop but always ending up “relapsing” after a few days. that’s when it hit me—it’s not about willpower. something deeper’s going on. i asked if he’d thought about therapy. he shrugged and said he didn’t think it was “that serious.” is it ever “that serious” in your own mind until someone else tells you it is? i didn’t push him but i planted the seed. maybe that was enough, maybe not. i don’t know. he also talked about how it’s affecting his relationships, how he finds it hard to feel emotionally close to someone when his brain is so rewired. that’s what he said—rewired. like it’s not just a habit, but a full-on shift in how he thinks and feels. scary stuff, honestly;

then came the real curveball. he asked me to hold him accountable. to check in with him, to “help him track progress.” and i wanted to say yes, i really did. but i also knew that puts me in a spot i don’t fully understand. like, what if he fails and feels ashamed to tell me? what if i say the wrong thing and make it worse? i’m not a sponsor or therapist. i’m just a friend. so i told him that, plainly. i said i’d support him and check in when i can, but he needs to be the one steering the ship. he seemed to get it. we talked about maybe finding some online communities—there’s got to be a subreddit or forum somewhere, right? not just for the addiction part but for figuring out how to build healthy habits again. i think that’s the bigger picture here—replacing the behavior with something real, something grounding.

but here’s the thing i keep circling back to: how do you really help someone with a porn addiction? not just nod and say “i’m here for you,” but actually support them in a way that leads to something better? is it about sending resources? is it just being a steady presence? or is there a line where being supportive turns into enabling or putting yourself in an emotional spot you’re not ready for? i don’t have the answers. i’m not sure anyone truly does unless they’ve lived through it. but if you’ve been there, or helped someone who has, what did you do that actually made a difference? what should i avoid? i want to be there for ben, but not at the cost of either of us getting pulled deeper into a place we’re not ready for.

it's hard to understand why people can be so mean at work, isn't it? i'm 23 and have been in a few different office settings, but every time, it’s like there’s this cloud of negativity hanging around. just last week, my coworker snapped at me over something trivial, saying, "if you can't handle simple tasks, maybe this isn't the right place for you." that hit more than it should have, but it seems to be the norm these days. instead of fostering teamwork and collaboration, it feels like everyone is constantly on edge, competing with each other rather than cheering each other on. i often find myself thinking about how important a positive work environment is. studies show that employees who feel appreciated and supported tend to be more productive and happy. how can we change this culture of meanness, though?

sometimes, it feels like we’re all in some sort of survival mode. i have a friend who works in retail, and she often talks about how customers can be just as harsh. it's not just the coworker drama; it's the pressure from clients or managers that seems to escalate the hostility. the other day, i overheard someone mention, "this isn’t high school anymore," as if that’s an excuse to treat people poorly. how ironic, right? i truly believe we should be uplifting one another. every little compliment or act of kindness can make a huge difference, like sharing a laugh or acknowledging someone’s effort on a project. what if we all just made an effort to spread some good vibes, instead of adding to the negativity? 🌼 i guess in a world that sometimes feels so cold, we could be the change we’d like to see.

it seems that most people don’t understand the silent struggles many face, particularly when it comes to mental health. for some, panic attacks occur without the familiar outward signs; instead, they’re discreet episodes that manifest internally. often, these silent panic attacks creep up when least expected, leaving the individual in a whirlwind of confusion and unease. has anyone else ever found themselves in a similar predicament? 😕 the reality for many is one of isolation, as the outside world continues its pace while the individual grapples with an unseen storm.

one may find themselves at a social gathering, surrounded by laughter and conversation, yet feeling inexplicably detached. the heart races, palms sweat, and a feeling of impending doom looms overhead. friends may speak, but their voices are drowned out by the cacophony of racing thoughts and rising anxiety. such instances challenge the individual to maintain an outward appearance of composure while their mind engages in a frantic battle. it begs the question: how does one articulate a silent struggle when the world expects a smile? 🎭

situations arise when the tension becomes so palpable that breath feels scarce. a sudden wave of panic might wash over, leaving one feeling trapped in their own skin. the claustrophobic sensation of being surrounded, yet utterly alone, creates a profound disconnect. the mental fog thickens, causing concentration to falter. it is during these moments of solitude that one ponders the magnitude of perception versus reality. does anyone else experience that moment when everything seems amplified, yet others remain blissfully unaware of your turmoil? 😰

throughout these silent moments, a multitude of coping mechanisms may emerge. whether it’s grounding techniques, deep breathing, or simply stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, the response to such events is deeply individualized. however, the lingering feeling of wanting to express one’s fears can often lead to a sense of frustration. the question persists: is there a way to bridge the gap between personal experiences and external acknowledgment? contextually, how does one convey the urgency of their silent battles without appearing overly dramatic? combating these internal demons requires not only resilience but also a sense of connection with others, even if that connection is predicated on shared, silent understanding. 🌈

Have you ever felt like your mother is the source of your problems? Yeah? Me too. Like she is the fuel in the fire that I am drowning in. She is providing me all this warm and then burning me, leaving scars on the skin. My mother talks about toxicity, bad friends, bad life choices. She tells me how *I* feel. She doesn't know me, does she? No. She thinks she does, the cause of all my problems. The hopelessness, the pain, the anger that follows it all. I hate it.

I hate my mother.

amid the chaos of daily life, one often seeks solace and rejuvenation. recently, I found myself exploring various methods of healing meditation. this journey began as a necessity, a response to the overwhelming stress I had been experiencing. each evening, I would carve out time to disconnect from technology and immerse myself in the soothing environment of my living room. I would sit comfortably on a plush meditation cushion, dim the lights, and create a serene atmosphere by lighting a calming lavender candle. these small rituals became anchors amidst the storm of my thoughts. during meditation, I found myself focusing on my breath, allowing the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation to ground me. it is fascinating how such a simple act can bring clarity. those moments in stillness revealed patterns of anxiety that I had not fully acknowledged. 🌿 so, would it not be beneficial to embrace such practices, even if just for a few minutes each day, to promote mental well-being?

over time, I discovered that healing meditation is not merely an escape; it is an exploration of one's inner landscape. I would gently guide my mind to embrace thoughts without judgment. this process, though at times challenging, cultivated a sense of acceptance. I began to realize that healing goes beyond just relaxing. it involves confronting emotions that linger beneath the surface, allowing oneself to experience them fully. during these sessions, I would visualize vibrant colors washing over me, nurturing each lingering worry and transforming it into something more positive.✨ I ponder how many individuals bypass this opportunity for introspection. is the fear of vulnerability holding us back from true healing? while the journey may not offer immediate results, there lies the potential for profound transformation with consistent practice. embracing this path has not only enhanced my emotional resilience but also instilled a newfound appreciation for life’s simplest moments.

I am an only child, now 38 years of age, NOT married but has a baby and in good terms with the father of my baby - he is still my boyfriend

All my life my hero was my dad. He’d give me all i ask for. I was spoiled. I was a brat. Though it was like that, I knew he has some negative traits but i ignored. I would question only in the back of my mind but i wouldnt say anything because i wasnt allowed to talk back to elders, it was like an ultimate crime for a child to talk back to parents (even if questioning or defending).

His negative traits are:

HE LOOKS DOWN ON THE LESS FORTUNATE - he thinks highly of himself.

1)When i was young, he told me to slap my female cousin whenever she doesnt follow my command. And i even did one time sadly. I apologozed for it but he never did. He bribed her with stationeries and other things but never said the word sorry.

2)he discriminates my uncle (mom’s brother, so his brother in law) because he is gay. Whenever he passes by, he would talk to someone with him (usually service drivers) and say “if he was my brother, that will not be allowed. I will beat him til he becomes a man” the person he would say that to, doesnt react at all, seen it many times. He was like that since i was young. It’s one of the things i questioned in my head “what’s wrong if he’s gay? He is the one who tutored me, your daughter. He is the one who will drop off and pick up your daughter, ME, from school”

3)he discriminates my cousin (again, mother side) because he has autism. He will say things like “he’s old but he isnt normal, everything about him is just wrong”

HE HURTS ANIMALS

1)there were several times when i was in mu early 20s that i planned to move out and take my cats and dogs with me, my aunt (mom side) will just fix things between me and my dad. He never did say sorry for hurting any of my pets before. He never made initiative to make peace, as mentioned, my aunt would fix things between us

2)my mom slipped. There was a time when we talked on the phone and she told me she gave away her chihuahua because he has become too aggressive. And then when i actually talked to her in person she said that the chihuahua died because my dad my hitting him constantly with a bamboo stick

HE IS A HYPOCRITE

1)he actually said my cousin was like a frustrated sexy star then when things got messy between my dad and i (more of this mess later on), my cousin admitted that he was molesting her before. So she asked her boyfriend to get pregnant because it was her ticket out and she did get out but she said my dad uses to send her messages like “you are more beautiful now that you have your own kids”

2)my boyfriend buys him his maintenance medicine so we barely have money left for us so sometimes we cant immediately buy extra things for our baby, like a pacifier. It’s cheap but it’s not a necessity and i will hear him say “what kind of parent isbthat?! Cant even buy this, or that”. My boyfriend even bought him food for his birthday and he never said thank you to him. And instead he even asked about my ex boyfriend, the ex that hurt me physically, Used and abused me everyday, and my dad knows that.

Those are just some samples to describe him.

Now the family drama…

I worked abroad for 8 years. Came home only once, in the 4th year. And i came back home again because i was pregnant. I didnt want to marry nor have kids. I had a horrible experience with my ex. He would use and abuse me daily, and he even got me pregnant but hotnit aborted. He shoved pills down my throat regularly. But i never bled. There was pain and that’s when our baby got aborted. The midwife said it was better because the baby wouldnt have been normal anymore from the pills. That is just a summary of why i dont want to marry and have a baby. I am scared. But i have changed my mind regarding pregnancy but not marriage and I have been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. I did in the second year but miscarried at 4th month. I set aside trying to get pregnant but i did again after 3 months from the miscarriage. So i went back home thinking things changed well it did but for the worse. I am in a long distance relationship and i live in hell.

During my pregnancy my dad cursed at my boyfriend when he wanted to look for another doctor for second opinion because it was all caesarean caesarean all the way. When i finally gave birth, my boyfriend paid for everything by the way and he is still the one supporting me and our baby and he is still the one buying my father’s meds and he is still the one giving additional financial support to MY family for food etc because im a full time stay at home mom, i dont have my own money.

Newborn. Well my newborn cried nonstop for the first 2/3 weeks. My father will go “sigh” “here we go again” and even one time he cursed at my baby he said “make THAT THING stop crying, because it is so annoying” i never said anything. So when i was left watching over my baby, who was crying, he went and called my mom i can hear him say “THAT will die soon” so when they opened the door i just yelled “dont even get involved because you know nothing of taking care of a baby” i know cos my mom told me, i was cared for mostly by grandma, uncles and aunts during the day. And night it was my other grandma and my mom. My dad even gave me expired milk so HELLO, he doesnt know how to take care of baby. Then we never talked. It was his way. I learned from him so i dont talk to him too. One time after my baby’s vaccinations, so she was all fussy and crying again, my dad cursed at me from the window - i ignored. He went in side the house and to the room where me and my baby was to curse at me again “aon of a bitch! Why dont you give milk?! You devil!” So i said in a flat tone cos i am pissed with what he said but trying to be patient “she doesnt want mlik” then He pointed at my face and said that i was being rude. So as he walked away, I stared at him thinking “what” then he started talking again “how dare you stare at me” “stop staring you bastard” never said anything but i kept staring cos i am confused he kept on cursing at me then came back to hit me in the shoulder when i was carrying my crying baby so i snapped. Really, i cant contain myself anymore. Hit me while carrying my baby? No no! So i just yelled back “yeah keep hitting me” “do it” he put his fist on my cheek and he put his 2 fingers on my eyes and i yelled “you think so high of yourself” then he cursed me and my boyfriend. My mom came and stopped the yelling but me and my dad never talked since then.

I can hear him sometimes talking about me and my boyfriend

“No more dreams and aspirations”

-i chose to be a stay at home mom, and that is bad in his eyes. I should be working.

“They should die. I dont care. They’re the devil”

So what i want to rant about is that everyday my father would have renovations at home. Hammer. Saw. Furnitures moving around. -my baby cant sleep at all. So when she wakes up and cries he’s gonna go look and say lots of things like the way i take care of my baby is wrong.

We’re gonna leave in about a month. My mom asked for one last thing and that is my boyfriend to come pick us up, i want to give her that. But i feel bad for my baby really. No sleep.

I often find myself wandering the halls of my school, feeling as if I'm cloaked in a bubble of invisibility. There’s this overwhelming sensation that everyone is watching me, or worse, judging me. I mean, why is it that I have no friends? Is it something I've said? Something I've done? Or is it simply that I'm just not likable enough? I often observe groups of students laughing and chatting, and I can’t help but wonder why I am not part of their conversations. Do I have a sign on my forehead that reads “unwanted”? Honestly, it feels like I’m the butt of some invisible joke—and trust me, it isn’t funny!!!

As days bleed into each other, I consider the possibility that perhaps my existence irks people. Maybe it's my aloof demeanor or my refusal to conform to the expected behaviors of a "typical" teenager. It seems to me that people thrive on conformity while I repel it. But is it wrong to be true to myself? Why should I change for others when I am perfectly fine as I am? Maybe this lens through which I perceive social interactions is distorted. Yet, every time I try to engage, I am met with cold responses or, even worse, indifference. Is there a rulebook that I’ve missed? Is my approach to socialization fundamentally flawed? I can’t help but question whether my supposed unpopularity is a reflection of who I am or simply a result of circumstances beyond my control...

Despite these feelings of isolation, I want to hold onto hope!!! I refuse to let negativity dictate my self-worth. Life is too short to agonize over the opinions of those who hardly know me. Perhaps the tides of change will turn, and friendships will blossom in unexpected ways. The world is vast, and there are countless individuals out there who may appreciate my uniqueness. So, why do I allow this unfounded fear that everyone hates me to consume my thoughts? Instead of drowning in self-doubt, I will choose to focus on self-improvement and personal growth. Today, I may feel invisible, but tomorrow could bring new opportunities!!!

i don’t think i’ve ever truly enjoyed working. sure, i’ve had jobs that were tolerable, coworkers i liked, even the occasional project that gave me a sense of pride. but if i’m being honest, that’s rare. most days, i wake up and feel this dull, heavy feeling in my chest knowing i have to go to work. and it’s not like i’m lazy — i show up, i do what i’m supposed to, i meet deadlines, i get along with people. but deep down, there’s this constant voice whispering, “this isn’t it.” and i know i’m not the only one who feels this way. it’s like we’re all pretending that this is normal — spending 40+ hours a week doing stuff we don’t care about, answering emails no one wants to write, attending meetings that could’ve been a message. 🫠

sometimes i wonder if we just accepted the wrong premise altogether. like, why do we build our lives around work? shouldn't work support our lives instead? i once heard someone say, “we weren’t born just to pay bills and die,” and yeah, it sounds cliché, but it hits. i look around at friends, neighbors, even random people online — everyone’s exhausted. mental health’s in the gutter, burnout is the new baseline, and people still keep grinding like there’s some magical reward at the end of the tunnel. but what is it, really? a promotion? a bigger house? maybe a retirement plan if we’re lucky? the truth is, most of us are stuck in jobs that drain us, just to afford things that numb us enough to keep going. i’m not saying we all quit and live off the grid (although it sounds tempting on bad days 😅), but maybe it’s time we ask ourselves: is this how it’s supposed to be?

i try to stay grateful — i have a job, i have an income, and i know others have it worse. but still, it’s exhausting pretending that everything's fine when it’s not. people say “find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” but that’s a joke, right? even stuff i’m passionate about turns into a chore once it’s tied to a paycheck. monetizing hobbies just sucks the joy out of them. and yeah, maybe this is just a rant, but it feels like we need to stop romanticizing hustle culture and start talking about how unsustainable this whole system is. how are we supposed to live meaningful lives when our best energy is spent on things that barely fulfill us? i don’t have the answers, but maybe asking the right questions is where it starts. so, do you really love what you do — or are you just surviving like the rest of us?

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

I wanna be a Wedding Planner👰🏻‍♀️.

But I don't know the steps to do so🫠. My cousin is an event planner, so maybe I can ask her🤔?

This is the first time that I've thought seriously about the career I actually wanna have☺️🙏🏻✨. I usually just go for your basic minimum wage jobs, but I wanna seek more... And now, I have more motivation to do so🤩🙏🏻✨!!

My bestie always said that she's super excited when I get married cause I already know so much wedding planning lingo😅!! But there's more to wedding planning then just knowing what everything is, but where to get it, the budgets, who to talk to, guest lists, budgets, specific items important to the couple, locations, permits, did I mention the budget... And there's also the possibility of the Bridezillas, Momzillas, Dadzillas, Sisterzillas, Brotherzillas, Groomzillas and more😱!! I'm recently changing my college degree back to psychology specifically for this job field.

It feels like forever since I've had any motivation to think more seriously about a more stable career🥹. I understand that sometimes minimum wage is stable for some who live on their own and want a smaller living space and other stuff that I don't know since I live with my cousins at the moment. But I'm just super excited to start REALLY planning my future. I'm a little late to the party, as I'm now 24 and still on college, but I look forward to continuing this journey🥳!!

And maybe one day, after I feel more comfortable with my finances, and as a person in general... Who knows, maybe I'll find a nice person to love and get married to👰🏻‍♀️💒💍? Who knows🤷🏻‍♀️!? The future is vast and I'm grabbing Life by the horns(if life had horns) and steering my own path🫡👍🏻✨!! Wish me luck🍀!! Or break a leg(if there are any theater kids out there🧐)!!

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

I was in search of a pearl necklace for my cousin's Bar Mitzvah, so I could wear them. And I don't know anything about fancy-pants jewelry🫠. My cousins that I currently live with are fancy-pants people😅. So, they suggested something unusual🫥!! "Just don't look at the price tag"🏷️. Like WHAT😱!!! It's also difficult to find "real" pearls with a decent quality... And I found a necklace with a bracelet and earrings for $50, but my cousins suggested one that was $150🦪. I ended up getting the $150 necklace set, but I feel like I'm waiting their money, even though they offered to buy it for me🥹. They've done so much for me after my mom passed away, that I don't know how to pay them back😭!! Of course they keep saying that I don't have to pay them back... But I was raised to believe that there aren't any free hand outs😮‍💨. And I suppose my overall view of the world is based on logic and contractual beliefs. If there isn't a contract, or an equal way to pay someone back for kindness, then I just feel very uncertain🥺. I hope everything will be okay, but I'm grateful that I get to wear a nice necklace... Even if it's only for a bit, since I don't know when I'll get my next job, since I'm on a break🫠.

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

This dang app doesn't have a movie or TV option... So I clicked on the next best thing outta the options given✨👀.

Maybe I could've picked a medical option, but then the vibes of Apothecary Diaries wouldn't have come across... At least to me it wouldn't🫠.

Anyway... I want more seasons to come out but why do animes in general, usually stop at the 2nd season, or rarely stop at the 3😭!! There are so many anime's that I love, but they're just taking breaks for 10+ years, or discontinuing them🥲!!

I wanna see MaoMao enjoy her poisonous pufferfish, and all her shenanigans that she gets up to😂!!

Is Jinshi gonna spill the beans ever😱!! And no... I don't mean those beans😏🫘!! But seriously🥴!!

And why the fork did MaoMao call Jinish's male appendage a frog🐸!?!? That area looks nothing like a frog🤣!!!

And will we see if Jinshi and his mother gets together as mother and son🥹🙏🏻✨!? Is the book series completed and where to get the series if it is completed📚😍!?!?

Also does anyone wonder why Jinshi likes MaoMao's glare😠🐛!?

MaoMao with cat ears is so cute😻!! MaoMao in Mandarin is "Cat"... Right? I'm not sure🙃. But I think that's what it means? Cause when I was at a Hearts Alive Cat Café, an East Asian couple came in and kept calling all the cats "MaoMao"... So, I sorta figured that MaoMao meant cat😺. It's also funny cause MaoMao(the anime character) doesn't really find cats appealing😹!! Yet she embodies a cat quite well🤣!! My favorite character outta everyone is Lady Giokio(I'm aware I miss-spelled her name... Sorry🙇🏻‍♀️). The pink haired concubine🩷!!

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

My bestie's boyfriend wants to propose to her💍.

They've picked out a wonderful oval diamond ring💍✨!!!

My bestie joked that we should go to a wedding dress store and try on dresses... Me included😱!! I'm not dating anyone... Let alone engaged🫠!! So, I don't know if that would be right for me to try on dresses🥴.

Plus, I'm 4 foot 11 inches tall with watermelons the size of H🫣!! I don't know any wedding dresses AT-STORES that would accommodate that🫥? But my bestie is 5 foot 6 inches tall and has average size fruits😊👍🏻✨!! Like... Hmmm🤔.... A larger honey crisp apple🍎... But 2 of them, since I don't know many people who only have 1 fruit naturally✨👀?

Anyway, what should I do, should I say, "sure" or "nah"? It would be nice to be there when she picks her dress... But I'm only seeing her for 3 days until I head back home for 2 days then hop back on a plane to fly across country🛬.

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

This is not an advertisement‼️

If you're a person who loves cats, kitties, or want to adopt a feline friendo... Then Hearts Alive Cat Café in Las Vegas Nevada is the place for you😻✨!!

$15 per hour with all the 30+ catto's💸!! 2 free drinks and 2 free snacks included after you pay for the entrance fee😋👍🏻!!

There's 3 rooms of catto's... All very clean🧹🧽🫧. They keep the litter boxes in a separate space, so customers won't smell their excrement💩. You can't pick up the adults cats, but you can pick up the kittens😻!!

Kittens eat at a different time than the adults, so just be aware that if you go to see the kittens, maybe go when it's not their lunch time... Around 4PM I think is around both the catto's lunch time🤔?

The workers are nice, and there's a revolving door of cats that come and go💞. There are a few permanent cats who aren't up for adoption, but they're super cute too😍!!

My favorite are the 3 kittens as of May 2025. They're the household appliance litter😂!! One is named Microwave, one is named Toaster, and the only Male in that group is named Stove🤣!! There are more kittens, but I didn't really bond with them, as they were getting some eye treatments done at the time👀.

Anyway, that place is filled with furry cuties wanting to be pet and loved🥰!! Kiddos are also allowed near the cats with adult supervision☺️👍🏻✨.

I can't remember if I mentioned that you can also go on their website and buy the $45 per month discount for unlimited time with the cattos, which is a far better deal than I was doing😅!! But I've been busy setting up for my vacation... So I couldn't dedicate a whole month of loving the kitties😭!!! Fork busy schedules that take me away from such prescious beings🥹!!

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

I'm headed to Lake Havasu soon, and I know nothing about that place other than my cousins live there🏡. And I guess I also know that there isn't an airport there🛬.

If there's anyone who's been there or lives their, could you send some recommendations on what to do there please🙇🏻‍♀️✨!!

And yes... I'm aware that I could ask my family, but they be busy people too, and I figured that if you had time to read this whole thing, then maybe you had a tiny bit of your time to share your thoughts and opinions on the place I mentioned😊🙏🏻✨?

Eat good food and drink lots of water guys😋👍🏻!!

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

I'm a short girly, and I was wondering if being short is a good thing when choosing a person to date🤔? I'm also 24, and I worry that my 4 foot 11 inch tall frame might make dudes think of me as a child🫠? I get the "you're super cute" instead of "you're super pretty/s*xy" sorta thing.

Also, because I'm super short my body proportions might seem a bit odd, as I have a size H bust... And that has confused a few of my male and female friends, cause I look like one of those anime characters who's child-like but has an "unrealistic" chest size🥴. They're real by the way, and I've always wanted size C or D, but..... Money😭💸!!

So, I'm asking the public... Anonymously, if my short stature, and front watermelons would turn people off🫠?